one mindanao - march 28, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Executive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

Book Your Summer Vacation To Caraga!

Dandee J.F. MontonCaraga Region

Today’s issue... Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 154

page 4

President Aquino intends to watch a film on Jesus Christ this Lenten season10

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, ARMM

ARMM legislator salutes women’s contri-bution to society

2,623 CARAGA farmers now landowners

Marawi City kids win regional eliminations of Metrobank Math Challenge

DSWD mobilizes workers to ensure proper Program implementation

16

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, ARMM

Oliver Badel Inodeoz, Northern Mindanao

91 new soldiers join army force

South Cotabato endorses P791-M tourism road projects Fruto Sumagaysay Jr., Central Mindanao

4CMO/4ID, Northern Mindanao

22

25

South Cotabato hires 500 students for SPES Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao31

Caraga Region

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7 11 13 20 24 28

Wednesday, March 27, 20134

Book Your Summer Vacation To Caraga!

One thing that people constantly talk about is going on vacation.

You have your typical vacation spots such as Mexico and Cuba but have you ever heard of Caraga? Caraga is a popular travel destination for tourists all over the world. With their sandy beaches and their plush greenery, Caraga is the perfect travel destination for you or your family!

CoVer StoRy

All About CaragaCaraga is a region of the Philippines on the northeastern part of Mindanao, an island. Caraga has beautiful weather which is classified under a type 2 climate. In the Philippines they have four specific types of climates (1 through 4). A type 2 climate means that there is no specified dry season with a lot of rain ranging from November to January. It is a beautiful region with many things for you and your family to look forward to!Caraga Tourist Spots

There are an abundance of tourist attractions that you can check out during your vacation in Caraga. There is surfing, trekking, mountain-biking, island hopping, scuba diving, visiting the beaches, spelunking, bird watching, and many events and festivals.

1. SurfingIf you are interested in surfing you can travel a small distance to Siargao. Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines and so you can expect for the tide to be amazing. The surf combines

By Dandee J.F. Monton

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 5

the best waves of Hawaii and it also has the best waves of Indonesia all in one. The surf off of the coast of Siargao has the famed “Cloud Nine” which is one of the world’s top surfing waves.

2. TrekkingThere are two main mountains that are the best for trekking or mountain climbing. There is Mt. Mas-ai and Mt. Hilong-Hilong. These mountains provide the best views imaginable and picturesque landscapes that are absolutely breathtaking. You can see all of the lakes and even take photographs of them for your scrapbook at home.

Never regret witnessing those panoramic views of amazing Butuan Bay while in the distance the volcanic appearance of Camiguin Island. These are just 2 of the established trekking paths but there are thousands of paths that have been untouched by tourists.3. Mountain-Biking

There are amazing biking trails around the city of Butuan and Surigao. There

are easy hills for the less advanced bikers and intense hills for those with more skill. They have an extremely futile biking industry and it is one of the most popular activities for both residents of the island and tourists.

4. Island HoppingIsland hopping is a popular activity no matter where you go for your vacation. You basically go from island to island to see new landscapes and some more breathtaking views. You can take a chartered boat to new locations and you can see the beautiful coral reefs


and the majestic squids and blue marlin fish.

5. Scuba DivingScuba diving is another popular tourist attraction. Take your family out on a nice day and journey deep into the ocean to see all of the gorgeous underwater sea life. You can scuba dive off of the

coasts of Surigao if you are in for more of an adventure.

6. SpelunkingIf you decide to go spelunking you can see the limestone karst bedrock within Surigao and Agusan. They also feature dozens of caves but you generally won’t see recreational cavers there. You can go on adventurous cave expeditions and see all of the limestone, stalactites, columns, and carved

stalagmites.

7. Events and FestivalsThere are plenty of events and festivals that you can be a part of within Caraga. All of the festivals give an eye opening insight into the culture of the Philippines. There are always festivals, regardless of the time of year some of them include: Bonok-Bonok Maradjao Karadjao, and Balangay. If you’re interested in some more surfing you can watch surfers from all over the world compete in Siargao to test their skills during the annual surfing competition.Caraga is a beautiful and wonderful place to travel if you are interested in a family friendly environment. With their white sand beaches and their crystal clear blue water, you will be overwhelmed as soon as you step off

of the plane. Compared to other travel destinations, Caraga is the creme de la creme so do your research today and book that well needed vacation!


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino orders DOTC and Philippine Coast Guard to enhance security and emergency procedures in seaports for safety of passengers

President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered on Tuesday Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena to enhance the security

and emergency procedures in the seaports to ensure the safety of the passengers.

8Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The Chief Executive issued the directive following his visit to Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Victory Liner Bus Terminal both in Pasay City to oversee the preparations being undertaken by various concerned government agencies.

Last week, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) officially launched OPLAN Ligtas-Biyahe: Kwaresma 2013 to ensure convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient, and safe travel for motorists and commuters this Holy Week.

“Doon sa ship itself, may mga signs that tells you where you are suppose to go, pero all in English. Tapos, sabi ko baka naman dapat mas simplehan ang instructions in the event that there’s an emergency.... These are being taken cared of now by both MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) and by the Coast Guard,” President Aquino said.

The President, however, cited the enhanced efforts initiated by both the

shipping and government authorities to prevent the shipping of drugs and prohibited items.

“Talagang thorough ang ginagawa nila to prevent all of this contraband from getting on board,” the President said.

The Chief Executive was informed that the law enforcers, together with the vessel’s security personnel, arrested a passenger who was found in possession of shabu.

After his visit to Pier 12, President Aquino proceeded to NAIA Terminal 4, at 10:15 a.m. and immediately inspected the operations and security preparations at the airport.


The President inspected the ticketing booth, x-ray area, check-in counters of the Sea Air and pre-boarding gate at the departure area of NAIA Terminal 4. He then went to NAIA Terminal 3 and inspected the airport facilities.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Jose Angel Honrado briefed the President on the status of passenger volume and traffic, airport security and assistance measures.

The President reminded the government agencies namely, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Transportation and Communications, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, among others to enhance the implementation of their respective tasks to protect the travelling Filipinos and tourists.

From NAIA, President Aquino proceeded to the Victory Liner Bus Terminal on EDSA, Pasay City to inspect security preparations.

He commended the government agencies concerned and the bus operators for implementing initiatives in ensuring the safety of the riding public.

“ Andito ‘yung testing for drugs and alcohol ingestion. So mukhang very thorough ang ginagawa nila MMDA Chairman (Francis) Tolentinto, voluntary on the part of the drivers and conductors and naging positive. Ngayon, they found one person out of everybody who’s driving or conducting the buses. So nakaka-impress na meron tayong ganitong equipment that is already being utilized to enhance the safety of our people,” he said. PND (js)

10Wednesday, March 27, 2013

President Aquino intends to watch a film on Jesus Christ this Lenten season

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday that he intends to watch a film about Jesus Christ this

Lenten season.In an interview during his visit at the

Victory Liner Bus Terminal on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Pasay City on Tuesday, the Chief Executive said he opted to spend the Lenten season in his official residence called Bahay Pangarap located at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound in Manila by watching a film about Jesus Christ.

The Bahay Pangarap is only five minutes away from Malacañang Palace.

“I’m trying to look for my copy of the film “Jesus Christ Superstar”. “Di ba, hindi (ito) masyadong heavy the way it reminds (us) of what our Christian faith is supposed to be; what Christ had to undergo to save

all of us,” the President said.President Aquino visited on Tuesday

the Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Victory Liner Bus Terminal both in Pasay City to check on the preparations being undertaken by various concerned government agencies to ensure the security and safety of Filipinos and tourists traveling to the provinces during the Lenten season.

The President vowed that the concerned government agencies remain on heightened alert for the safety and orderly travel of passengers. PND (js)


Govt fine tuning stop-gap measure to address Mindanao power crisis

The government is working on a mechanism that will assist power distribution utilities to buy diesel-fed electric generating plants as an immediate stop-gap measure to the current energy crisis in

Mindanao, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday.In an interview during his visits

to bus terminals and ports Tuesday, he said the Department of Energy presented a plan that details how the government could assist distribution utilities in purchasing generating

sets. Using diesel power plants are

seen as the quickest remedy to the Mindanao power problem, he said, and with these plants the government could set these up in six months to


one year.

“Yung one year kasama na doon ‘yung four months na procurement ng gobyerno,” he said. “So we’re working on the mechanism para madala itong distribution utilities nitong mga generators na ito.”

The President added that the government is working in an immediate solution that is lawful and his administration doesn’t want shortcuts.

“Ang state of emergency will only help in terms of ‘yung baka mas mapadali ang procurement. Ngayon, ayaw naman nating madaliing sobra na baka magkaroon ng shortcut sa batas, tapos sasabihin ng COA [Commission on Audit] hindi pwede lahat ‘yan. Balik na naman tayo sa wala,” he said.

“Gusto lang natin from the start, ‘pag na-deploy ‘yan, talagang sumusunod sa lahat ng mga alituntunin, lahat ng patakaran, at lahat ng batas para ‘pag naranasan na ay hindi naman mawawala kaagad,” he added.

The government response is also intended to make sure that the upcoming elections will not be affected and all the voting precincts will have enough power to transmit all the election results, he said.

But by 2015, when the permanent plants start to

produce enough energy, the President said he expects the Mindanao power problem to go away.

It takes between three to four years to set up the power plants, he said noting the earliest target date is about 300 megawatts from coal-fired power plant by 2015. Similar other plants will also start going online after that until 2017, he explained.

Also augmenting the insufficiency of power in Mindanao is the Iligan diesel power plant, which has been operating and returning to its rated capacity, he said.

Asked how long Mindanao residents would wait before the remedial measure takes effect, the President said he wants to make sure that government actions complies with the law.

He noted that currently, there is 35 megawatts available off these diesel power plants. PND (as)


Unplanned motherhood is risky, says health official

BUTUAN CITY- Unplanned and unintended pregnancies posed a danger which contributes significantly to the cases of maternal health risks and even to maternal death, a local health official here said Tuesday morning.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

By Noel B. Najarro


Ms. Grace Wang, Maternal Child Health and Safe Motherhood Program Coordinator, Agusan del Norte Provincial Health Office said during her “Reproductive Health Situationer” in the province said that in the national level, 11 mothers die daily because of unplanned and unintended pregnancies. She elaborated the risk factors of mothers who fell victims to such condition when they got pregnant when they are either “too young,” (becoming a mother before 18 years old), “too old,” (senior first time mothers may fell the risks of complications at childbirth), “too close,” (not enough year spacing between pregnancies), “too ill” (having illness which makes pregnancies non-advisable” or “too many” (having a number of children

beyond their means).Wang said that such risks can

be countered by planning the marriage, becoming responsible parents, using convenient family planning methods and instilling proper values to the family.

She pointed out that the government’s family program is envisioning to empower women and to make them healthy, productive and fulfilled life and to achieve the right family size using the convenient and chosen family planning methods.

Ms. Wang was one of the resource persons during yesterday’s Reproductive Health and Elections 2013 Media briefing spearheaded by the Philippine Legislator’s Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD).


In the province of Butuan alone, DAR Secretary Virgilio De Los Reyes distributed 3,260 hectares of farmlands to 2,263 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with extension reform (CARPer).

The covered landholdings are from the municipalities of Butuan, Buenavista, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Tubay, Nasipit, Carmen, RT Romualdez, Magallanes, and Cabadbaran.

De Los Reyes told the new landowners that government’s

support for the farmers does not end in the distribution of lands, there are also various support services to further boost their economic lives.

Edwin Espinosa, a farmer-beneficiary from the said province, said that they finally reap the fruits they have sowed for years. “With the DAR on our side, I am certain that our newly-acquired land will give us a better life,” he added.

Earlier, De Los Reyes also distributed 530 hectares of lands to 360 ARBs in the province of Dinagat Island. The farm lots are from the municipalities of Dinagat,

2,623 CARAGA farmers now landowners

BUTUAN CITY-- Some 2,623 farmers are now landowners as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed a total of 3,790 hectares of agricultural lands in CARAGA region.Tuesday morning.


San Juan, Cagdianao and Basilisa.Provincial Agrarian Reform

Officer (PARO) Jamil Amatonding Jr. said that this is the first time a DAR Secretary has set foot in the province.

“The presence of our Secretary gives a positive outlook to the farmers. The farmers said that they feel that the government is sincere in uplifting their lives,” he added.

The DAR also turned-over a P6-million worth of farm equipment to the 1,046 ARBs in Butuan City.

The farm equipment includes one combined harvester, two jeep-mounted threshers, four cultivator

power tillers, five threshers, and eight hand tractors.

De Los Reyes said the farm equipment is implemented under the department’s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCESS) program.

“Part of the ARCESS program is to provide you (the farmers) with farm implements or common service facilities to help improve your incomes. I hope that this equipment will also serve as a tool to unify your organization in taking care of these machines,” De Los Reyes said. (PNA)


Women wearing hijab, peace advocates run for peaceby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Some 95 stakeholders have joined the first-ever “Hijab Run for Peace” in the province on Sunday, March 24.


Women wearing hijab (veil) led other peace advocates in the peace run that started as early as 6 a.m. in the Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus, here. The run for peace was organized by the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) and the Sindaw ko Kapagingud (SIKAP) in celebration of Women’s Month and the Bangsamoro Week of Peace. The Hijab Run for Peace aims to encourage Muslim women to take part in the promotion of peace. It also seeks to promote the importance of wearing hijab. Among those who participated

in the run were members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, MSU-Department of Security Services, and members of the Karancho. The YMPN is a group of young Muslim professionals that promote volunteerism, use their own resources, talents, education, training and work collectively to help other Muslims. The SIKAP, on the other hand, is a non-profit and non-governmental organization composed of Maranao women based in Lanao del Sur volunteering for community development.


ARMM legislator salutes women’s contribution to societyby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - A legislator of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) underscored the multiple contributions of women in the society.

Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc-Tomawis said women not only play the role of mothers but also of teachers, providers and professionals reminding the society of the need to balance modernity and tradition. She said women are innate teachers because they are the first to teach their child while some leave their families behind to work as overseas workers in order to feed their families. Tomawis further said the role of women in the workforce and economic development must also be accounted for.

“They have overcome major hurdles and even worse stereotypes, cement-thick beliefs against their capacity to make decisions, and even with their multiple burdens in their vast communities, they hide their pains because they are expected to be strong for their families,” she added. Thus, she enjoined ARMM constituents to “cite stories of women and make them part of a tapestry being woven in an evolving cultural and democratic society that is preparing for a Bangsamoro government.”

Marawi City kids win regional eliminations of Metrobank Math Challengeby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Four kids from the Marawi City School Division topped the recently concluded Metrobank Math Challenge 2013 regional eliminations.


Marawi City kids win regional eliminations of Metrobank Math Challenge

Siddiykh Goling, Majit Rasul Macaalia, Ishihaya Magumpara and Moh’d Yusoph Marohom bested other math-enthusiasts from the nine participating Schools Division in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Goling and Macaalia won in the Team Category for the Fourth Year level while Magumpara and Marohom emerged as winners in the same category for the Grade Six level. Goling and Magumpara also won as regional champions in the Individual Category for Fourth Year and Grade Six levels, respectively. The Metrobank Math Challenge is an annual competition that aims to awaken greater interest in Mathematics among elementary and high school students, as

well as, to discover Mathematical talents among the youth. The competition also serves as a venue for young Math-enthusiasts to enhance their skills in Mathematics. The regional elimination was conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the ARMM in partnership with Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP). The Math challenge regional winners will represent ARMM in the national finals. (DepEd-ARMM)


Young volunteers learn the basics in house buildingby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- More than 500 young volunteers from various public high schools, state universities and religious organizations here learned the ropes of how to build a house from scratch since the start of Bayani Challenge 2013 on March 23.


Young volunteers learn the basics in house building

DSWD mobilizes workers to ensure proper Program implementationby Oliver Badel Inodeo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 here has reiterated its call to all Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) workers to make it clear that politicians or parties have no control over Pantawid Pamilya and other programs of Department.

Lawyer Araceli F. Solamillo, DSWD Field Office 10 Regional Director, said both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries must be accurately

informed on the selection and delisting processes of the program. “This is to empower the beneficiaries to know their rights and

Engr Oswaldo Saarenas, Bayani builder and coordinator said they are starting from the very beginning with volunteers from National Service Training Program (NSTP) of the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) at the SM-BDO relocation site at Canitoan, this city. “We are clearing the area, taking all the pieces of wood out and transferring soil from one area to the next. Hollow blocks are prepared and stocked and filed, same with all needed materials,” he said. With the City Engineer’s Office looking after and supervising the project, volunteers learn to make a foundation using tire wires and round bars, and connecting these at the same time. Despite the heat, these students work tirelessly to make sure they make accurate calculations and quality foundation.

The second relocation site is the Shell-Village at Canitoan. Aside from the young volunteers, Couples for Christ CFC – Gawad Kalinga (GK) volunteers, Handmade of the Lord organization and a number of foreigners from America and Europe are also leading the pack in house building. About 16 units of houses are already measured and designed to be added to the existing Shell-Village relocation site. In this area, volunteers have started to prepare the land and transferred hollow blocks through passing from hand to the other in one huge line. CFC GK sector 1A coordinator George and Diding Balingit said volunteers will still surge in the days to come as some did not arrive on Sunday.


to be vigilant of individuals and/or groups who plan to use the program to push for their personal agenda,” Solamillo emphasized. Meanwhile, Pantawid Pamilya Regional Project Coordinator Kenneth Haze Sanchez disclosed that posters and tarpaulins are now displayed during pay-outs to shun partisan politics. “We want to insulate the program from partisan politics,” Sanchez said. The Bawal ang Epal Dito campaign focuses on the message that only the DSWD can delist a beneficiary if he or she is not following the conditions of the program. Bawal ang Epal Dito confronts the issues of external pressures and eliminates the misconception of the beneficiaries about the control of politicians or parties over Pantawid Pamilya and other programs of DSWD. More importantly, it seeks to empower the beneficiaries to know their rights and to be vigilant of individuals and/or groups who plan to use the program to push for their personal agenda. With the upcoming mid-term elections, some politicians may use the program to gain leverage. Through the Department’s Grievance Redress System (GRS), beneficiaries are encouraged to continuously give feedback if they find some politicians who are allegedly claiming to have the authority to enlist

and delist them from the program. Over the past years, the DSWD has been consistent in performing its functions within the tenets of accountability and transparency. Meanwhile, Sanchez also stressed the scheduled pay-out in every locality cannot be altered or changed. This, after some mayors in Northern Mindanao requested DSWD Field Office 10 to change the venue, mode of payment, and date of the pay-out for no apparent reasons.

The Pantawid Pamilya Regional Project Coordinator explained that only DSWD Central Office can change the venue, mode of payment, and date of the pay-out upon recommendation by the regional office. She added Regional Project Management Office of Pantawid

Pamilya will assess and recommend any changes if it is feasible and safe for Pantawid Pamilya workers, service providers and beneficiaries. As it is, the 350 beneficiaries under Set 6 Period 1 from Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte have received their grants at the Philippine Postal Corporation Office in Iligan City since its mode of payment is over the counter of PhilPost as scheduled. Pantawid Pamilya Financial Analyst 3 Joy Suzon also said she has informed all Municipal Roving Bookkeepers to continue payment of cash grants as scheduled.


The graduation ceremony was held yesterday at the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division Grandstand at 4:00 p.m. Most of the members of the class came from several provinces in Region 10 and 13. They passed both the physical and academic aspect of the training. They all hurdled the six-month basic soldiery training which transformed them to discipline soldiers. They were trained on tactics and enriched technically to satisfy the basic requirement for a soldier who can perform his task as a member of the army. The 4th Division Training Unit

(4DTU) headed by Lt. Col. Jose Emmanuel L. Mariano (INF) GSC PA administered the training of the new soldiers. They were taught on basic military knowledge and skills, jungle warfare, mountaineering operations, the core values of the army, rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian laws. Maj. Gen. Nestor A. Añonuevo, 4ID commander, congratulated the members of CSC CL-302-12 for successfully completing

the course. He also congratulated and thanked the parents who painstakingly supported their sons from the application process until the day of their graduation. He said the support of the family to a soldier will give them the strength to overcome all the challenges of this noble profession, the separation, the loneliness, the physical and mental demand. “Make your family and country proud, treasure your service by making your every action contribute towards attaining peace for the people,” Añonuevo said.

91 new soldiers join army force

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - Ninety-one male candidate soldiers successfully completed the prescribed requirements of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 302-12.

by 4CMO/4ID


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- “It really takes skills and expertise if we really want to utilize and manage media for our advantage,” PSSupt. Randolph Delfin, the newly installed regional chief directorial staff of the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12 told police officers in a recent seminar.

Police officers learn how to deal with the mediaBy Danilo E. Doguiles


Ten especially picked PNP personnel from the Soccsksargen Region and parts of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao underwent a five-day training on media relations at the PRO 12 Training Facility in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City.

The seminar was organized by the US Department of State through the Anti Terrorism Assistance Program as part of the assistance that the US government extends to the Philippines in its battle against terrorism.

Delfin said the training on how to deal with the media and how to form and package information is necessary because

the media serves as an important platform in informing the public about the accomplishments and programs of the PNP, especially those pertaining to their campaign against criminalities and insurgencies.

“How will the public know what is needed and required of them if they themselves do not know or hear of the existence of our programs and activities?” Delfin asked.

With a well-planned information drive and information dissemination through to the quad media, he added, the PNP organization could inform and update the community about the present activities of the

PNP, which consequently encourage the public to contribute and cooperate with the campaigns of the PNP for a safer place to live, work, do business and visit.

“(The media) is as potent or shall I say more potent than any powerful weapon we’ve come to know about; compared to other weapons, the media has more potent power to create and destroy,” he said.

At a ceremony to honor him as former police director of South Cotabato Police Provincial Office inside the provincial capitol here yesterday, Delfin thanked the media for the support they have accorded him.

He said that in his 17-month stay here, he had not been criticized because he established an open communication with the members of the media seeking information from the police. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/WBVillaflores-RPIO)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Provincial Development Council (PDC) of South Cotabato has approved for endorsement at least P790 – mil-lion worth of road projects intended to boost the province’s tourism poten-tial.

South Cotabato endorses P791-M tourism road projectsBy Fruto Sumagaysay Jr.

Approved during the PDC first quarter-ly meeting last week, these nine road proj-ects could be imple-mented beginning this

year.Provincial Tourism

Officer Cesar Sulit Jr., who presented the pro-posal said these proj-ects are located in tour-

ism-rich destinations in the area, including Lake Sebu, Tupi, T’boli towns and Koronadal City.

In Lake Sebu,proposed proj-


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- At 500 “poor but deserving “ students are getting summer jobs courtesy of the provincial government of South Co-tabato and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12.

include concreting of 2.5-kilometer Poblacion Lake Sebu to T’daan Kini Spring Road with Bridge Component; 5.25 – km circumferen-tial road, national sec-ondary road junction of Surallah-Lake Se-bu-Maitum-Bensidon-Bacdulong Road; and 4.68-km circumferen-tial road, national sec-ondary road junction of Surallah-LakeSebu-Maitum-Seloton-Seven Falls-Purok Rosas-Lahit Road.

Lake Sebu is famous for its Lake Sebu and two other lakes in the area as well as the top tourist-drawing Seven Fall zipline.

Road projects in T’boli include improve-ment of the 29.2-km

road that connect Po-blacion to Barangay Sa-lacafe leading to Lake Holon/Mt. Melibingoy; construction and wid-ening of the 3-km road from Barangay La-conon to Sitio Bakngeb leading to Bakngeb River; and concreting and widening of 6-km road leading to Hidak and K’mebel Falls; and 15-km road from Po-blacion-Barangay Lam-haku road leading to Lamhaku Hot Spring.

Other project set for implementation include concreting of 11.5 –km road from junction na-tional highway to Purok Bagong Silang road leading to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Tupi and construction of 2-km junction national high-

way junction - Paraiso-Sitio Mariveles road leading to Paraiso Golf Club in Koronadal.

“The total length of the road projects span 79.13 kilometers; with a project cost of P 10 million per kilometer, the entire project could cost a total of Php 791.13 million,” Sulit said.

Two national govern-ment agencies, name-ly: the Department of Public Works and High-ways and Department of Tourism are involved in the project, with the former as implementer and both as possible source of funds. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12/FSum-agaysay-SoCot PIO)

South Cotabato hires 500 students for SPESBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Provincial Public Employment Service Officer Zenaida Duron said the provincial government has allotted at P1.085 million for the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

The amount is intended to pay for the P162 or 60 percent LGU share of the P270 daily wage of the SPES beneficiary. The remaining P108 will be paid by DOLE 12.


Duron added that 333 of the student employees will be assigned to the different departments of the provincial government center here.

Others will be deployed to privately-owned establishments and offices that have partnered with the LGU for this initiative.

Each SPES beneficiary will be working for 20 days, for which they could earn P3,240 from the provincial government and P2,160 from DOLE 12.

SPES is a program being implemented by the DOLE in partnership with LGUs and other government agencies as well as interested private institutions, businesses and organizations to

help poor and deserving get a short-term job from which they could earn income that they could spend for their studies.

It is open to students and out-of –school youths ages 15 to 25, whose average weighted grade from the last school year attended was 80 percent or better and without failing grade.

Specifically for applicants considered for the SPES program were students whose parents earn a combined annual income of not more than P86,000. SPES here is also exclusive to residents of ten municipalities and lone city under the jurisdiction of the provincial government.

In an earlier interview,

DOLE 12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla disclosed that the national government has allotted at least P31 million for SPES in Soccsksargen Region.

Besides South Cotabato, Soccksargen Region also includes the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

Mantilla even called for local government units and other possible partners to commit and pledge for the employment of more students.

She also clarified that although it has commonly been the practice to hire

students under SPES during summer and Christmas vacations, LGUs and other partners may avail of the program any time of the year. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


New hotel opens in Davao City

DAVAO CITY- The 204-room Park Inn by Radisson hotel was formal-ly opened in Davao City last Friday (March 22). The P750-million midscale

hotel owned by SM Hotels and Conventions is run by Carlson Rezidor group of hotels, the 9th largest hotel group in the world. The hotel in Davao is the first Park


Inn by Radisson brand in the Asia Pacific Region. The formal opening ceremonies was attended by bigwigs from Carlson Rezidor and SM led by Hans Sy, president of SM Prime, Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotel & Conventions Corporation and Simon Barlow, President, Asia Pacific of the Carlson Rezidor Group. Guest of-Honor was Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. Barlow said he is confident that the hotel will set a benchmark for the growing mid-scale market in the country. He said that the Philippines along with India and Indonesia are among focus areas of the Carlson Rezidor group in the region.He cited the hotel’s achievement since it soft-opened in February, among these include the high occupancy rate of the hotel highlighted with no less than President Benigno Aquino III staying in the hotel during his visit last March 7 for the MICE

Conference . According to General Manager Geir Sikko, the hotel’s occupancy rate has been at 80% since its soft opening. “Park Inn by Radisson Davao is a welcome addition to our existing hotel portfolio that includes the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay, the Pico Sands Hotel in Batangas, and the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City.” Elizabeth Sy said during the press conference held before the opening ceremonies. According to the president of the SM Hotel & Conventions Corporation, the company is eyeing to construct more Park Inn hotels in the different SM malls in the country. Park Inn by Radisson Davao is located within the SM Lanang Premiere complex, adjacent to the hotel is a shopping mall and the largest convention facility in Mindanao- the SMX Convention Center. (PIA/RG Alama.)

Facts and Figures

P90,000 Average cost of a housing unit in the Bayani Challenge 2013 project.


AFP brands NPA harassment as act to gain public sympathyDAVAO CITY- The military believed that the latest harassment carried out allegedly by the communist rebels 5:30 am Monday (March 25) in Barangay Magangit, New Bataan, Compostela Valley was a desperate move to get the support of the residents back to the rebel movement. Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commanding officer of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion said the rebels only wanted to show that they are still active in the area.He said that instead of winning public sympathy, the rebels instill fear among the residents. Obligado said the rebels also failed to attract the attention of the soldiers despite conducting a checkpoint and firing at their positions so they set off their improvised landmine. He said soldiers have been ordered to defend their positions first before responding to enemy movement.Obligado said that under these circumstances soldiers must maneuver on foot and not to use the four-wheel vehicle. “Concerned citizens reported the presence of rebels blocking and laying an improvised landmine along the road. When the troops did not immediately react to the checkpoint, they fired upon Magangit Patrol

Base to force the troops to go after them. When they failed to lure in the troops, they just detonated the improvised explosive instead of retrieving it,” he said. Obligado said the rebels put the lives of residents to danger even with their presence, by luring the soldiers into a firefight and the laying and exploding of an improvised landmine on the road used by the people. Lt. Colonel Michael Logico, commanding officer of the 66 Infantry Battalion said the rebels positioned themselves in front of a school, the most populated area in the barangay. He said it was the call of the soldiers not to react immediately in order not to endanger the lives of the residents. “The safety of the populace is the primary consideration by our troops in every operation,” Logico said.He said that though the rebels did not hold hostage, they caused fear among the innocent civilians. Residents reported that the rebels laid an improvised landmine along the road going to Maragusan.They also said that the rebels held a bus and ordered all passengers to alight before burning the tires of the vehicle. (RGA/JSD/PIA-XI)


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Zambo. Norte candidates sign poll peace pact By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The provincial office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Zamboanga del Norte, Commission on Election (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have successfully facilitated the signing of the peace covenant among local candidates vying for various political positions in Zamboanga del Norte.


Zambo. Norte candidates sign poll peace pact

The peace covenant signing, which was held recently at Camila Hotel II in this city, aimed to draw commitment from each candidate to abide by the guidelines set by COMELEC governing the conduct of the May 2013 midterm elections. In his opening statement, DILG-Zamboanga del Norte OIC-Provincial Director Arnel F. Gudio, lauded the candidates’ support to the covenant signing and he looked forward to a peaceful political exercise on May 13, 2013 in the province. First Infantry Tabak Division Head, Brigadier General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, on the other hand, assured the public of the readiness of the military in the area to extend the needed support to ensure the conduct of a peaceful and orderly election. Zamboanga del Norte is now manned by the 10th Infantry Battalion led by Col. Leonel Nicolas with more than 2,000 camp detachments strategically stationed in various locations in the province.

Nicolas replaced Col. Tarahudin Ampatuan who is currently assigned at the division in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. “We’ll do everything to avoid any election-related violence. And we are ready to augment our force here if necessary. Maasahan ninyo ang tulong ng Philippine Army (You count on the help of the Army),” Cruz said. The candidates who turned up during the covenant signing were former Dipolog City Mayor Roberto Uy, who runs for governor under the Liberal Party, his running mate, Dipolog City Vice Mayor Atty. Senen Angeles, third district congressman Cesar Jalosjos of the Nacionalista Party (NP), candidate for Governor, and his running mate, incumbent Dapitan City Vice Mayor Patri B. Chan, and first district congressman Seth Frederick Pal Jalosjos who is running for his second term. Absent during the covenant signing were Atty. Edgar Vicente Balisado - LP congressional candidate for the first district, incumbent second district congressman Rosendo S. Labad-labad of LP and his rival, incumbent governor Rolando E. Yebes of NP, third district congressional candidate Atty. Isagani S. Amatong of LP and his rival incumbent board member Johanna Jalosjos-Parreno of NP. Nonetheless, Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Tomas Valera said those who failed to attend the covenant signing can still affix their signatures on the document at the COMELEC provincial office.


This was declared by Tungawan Mayor Randy A. Climaco during the launching of Brigada Challenge 2013 in Poblacion, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay recently. “Bayanihan Challenge” is

Tungawan poor folks to own house thru Bayanihan Challenge By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – At long last poor residents of Tungawan town can have their own houses.

an initiative of Pilipinas Natin, a nationwide movement that calls for an active involvement of the citizens, cultivating the Filipino culture of caring, sharing and “bayanihan” (cooperation). In his message, Climaco said “the launching of Brigada Challenge is a great help in the development of the municipality especially in building community through a spirit of volunteerism.” “As a manifestation of our active and strong support to the Bayanihan Challenge, the LGU will donate 20 units of houses to start the implementation of the project and to effectively address poverty in our municipality,” Climaco said Climaco said “the municipality is lucky because it is one of the identified ‘conflict areas’ in Mindanao, hence, it was chosen as one of the pilot areas for the project.” “For the first time in our province, the Bayanihan Challenge project has been launched here and this is a welcome development to us,” Climaco stressed. Tungawan is said to have 65% of its population living below poverty line. With the launching of the project, the mayor said, he was optimistic that the negative impression of some people about his town would be erased.


“Before, our town was tagged as dangerous place because of the presence of lawless elements and many people were scared to visit, but with the implementation of the project, the negative impression will

be erased,” Climaco said. The stakeholders also expressed their support to the project saying that the project would benefit the poor sectors of society and help sustain peace in the area.

More than a hundred participants, mostly city hall employees, gathered at the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) covered court for the Earth Hour observance which was marked by a ceremonial switch-off of lights at 8:30 in the evening. Sheila Covarrubias, Public Information Officer (PIO), said “Mayor Celso Lobregat issued Executive Order 499-2013 expressing the city government’s support and commitment to the observance of the said event, which is a call to action for energy efficiency, conservation and to address climate change.” “At exactly 8:30pm, lights were turned off, sending a strong

message that something can be done to minimize the impact of global warming,” Covarrubias said. During the one hour “switch off,” employees of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) performed a fire dance to entertain the participants. The lady PIO said the city has been supportive and has been joining the observance for the past 6 years now. Covarrubias informed that the “Earth Hour has been spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) in collaboration with the Green Army and the SWITCH Movement.”

Zambo City observes Earth HourBy Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city joined the rest of the world in the recent observance of Earth Hour, a worldwide movement to reduce the impact of global warming.

one mindanao - march 28, 2013

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